Verghese Kurien—I Too Had A Dream

Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 82)

Carrier pigeons → Telegraph → Postcard → Telephone → Mobile phone → Email

II. Work in pairs and discuss the following things.

1. The reasons for change in the means of communication over the years.

2. The means of communication that you prefer to use and the reason for your choice.

3. Communication through social media: its benefits and precautions that one should take against its misuse.

1. Technology has improved our lives. It is easy to use, saves time, and helps us send messages quickly to people anywhere in the world.

2. I prefer email because I can write my ideas clearly. I can also save emails and read them again whenever I need them.

3. Social media helps us stay connected with others. But we should avoid fake news, cyberbullying, and spending too much time online.

Let us discuss (Page 85)

A fact is something that can be proven true or false. A fact is not based on people’s beliefs.

An opinion on the other hand is a belief, feeling or judgement, and can vary from one person to another. An opinion cannot be proven.

I. Identify which of the following statements are facts and which are opinions.

1. But speaking on the telephone only gives us an immediate but fleeting joy.

2. I started my working life soon after our country became independent.

3. To be quite honest, service to our nation’s farmers was not the career I had envisioned for myself.

4. I knew I could make a more meaningful contribution by working here in Anand, Gujarat.

5. … values that I saw in my mentor and supporter here in Anand—Tribhuvandas Patel.

6. Life is a privilege, and to waste it would be wrong.

7. I hope that you, too, will discover, as I did, that failure is not about not succeeding.

8. … the magnificent ceremony in which the President awarded me the Padma Vibhushan in 1999?

Answer:

1. Opinion

2. Fact

3. Opinion

4. Opinion

5. Fact

6. Opinion

7. Opinion

8. Fact

Let us think and reflect (Pages 86-88)

I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

1. In today’s fast-paced world we have become so addicted to instant communication that we prefer to use a telephone. But speaking on the telephone only gives us an immediate but fleeting joy. Writing is different. Writing—even if it is a letter—not only conveys our present concerns and views of the events taking place around us but it becomes a possession that can be treasured and reread over the years, with great, abiding pleasure.

(i) Fill in the blank given below by selecting the correct option from the brackets.

When the writer refers to a ‘fast-paced world’, he is speaking of a world where _______ (communication happens quickly but lacks depth/ people have more time to write and reflect)

(i) communication happens quickly but lacks depth

(ii) Select the option that applies correctly to both Assertion (A) and Reason (R).

(A) : Writing letters can be treasured and re-read over the years.

(B) : Speaking on the telephone provides long lasting joy.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.

D. Both (A) and (R) are false.

Answer: C. (A) is true, but (R) is false

(iii) Identify whether the statement given below is true or false.

The writer feels that letter-writing is a class apart from other kinds of writing.

Answer: True

(iv) Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the given extract?

A. The Rise of Instant Communication

B. The Fleeting Delight of Phone Calls

C. The Lasting Joy of Written Words

D. Living in a Fast-paced World

Answer: C. The Lasting Joy of Written Words

2. Your grandmother too made an important choice. She knew, in those early days, life in Anand could not offer even the simple comforts that we take for granted today. However, she ardently supported my choice to live and work in Anand. That choice of your grandmother to stand by me has given me an everlasting strength, always ensuring that I shouldered my responsibilities with poise.

(i) How can we say that the grandmother shared her husband’s dedication to a greater cause?

She sacrificed her personal comforts to stand by her husband's mission to help farmers.

(ii) Complete the following with the correct option from the two given in brackets. The fact that the writer (grandfather) praises his wife tells us that he _______ (truly values/quietly accepts) her role in his life.

Answer: truly values

(iii) Complete the following sentence with the correct option from those given below.

Based on the information in the extract, we can infer that the grandmother had all of the following traits EXCEPT

A. encouraging

B. understanding

C. comforting

D. thoughtful

Answer: C. Comforting

(iv) Select the phrase that conveys— ‘showed grace under pressure and carried out my duties with dignity and confidence’.

“shouldered my responsibilities with poise”

II. Answer the following questions.

1. What event does Dr. Kurien refer to when he mentions receiving the Padma Vibhushan?

Dr. Kurien refers to the time when he received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. He was honoured for his important role in the White Revolution, improving India’s dairy industry, helping farmers, and supporting rural development through cooperatives across the country.

2. How did Dr. Kurien’s decision to join the cooperative in Anand affect his life?

Dr. Kurien’s decision to stay in Anand changed his life. He helped dairy farmers by starting cooperatives. He played a major role in building Amul and leading the White Revolution, improving farmers’ lives and helping India’s dairy industry grow.

3. Dr. Kurien’s decision to work in Anand reveals his values and sense of duty. Explain.

Dr. Kurien chose to stay in Anand instead of taking a better job. He wanted to help farmers and improve their lives. His decision showed his care, honesty, love for the country, and strong belief in rural development and progress.

4. Why did Dr. Kurien write the letter to his grandson?

Dr. Kurien wrote the letter to his grandson to share his life lessons. He wanted young people to understand the value of hard work, honesty, kindness, service, and wise choices, and to inspire them to live useful and meaningful lives.

5. According to Dr. Kurien “life is a privilege and it is wrong to waste it”. What is your opinion on this?

I agree with Dr. Kurien. Life gives us chances to help others and do something good. We should use these chances wisely, work hard, serve people, and make a positive difference instead of wasting our lives on selfish goals.

6. What message does Dr. Kurien want to convey about selfless service and its long-term impact on the society?

Dr. Kurien shows that helping others without selfish reasons can bring lasting change. By serving farmers and rural people, he helped communities grow stronger. His honest work and clear vision improved lives and inspired people for many years to come.

Let us learn (Pages 88-92)

I. Replace the underlined words in each sentence with the correct synonym from the box. You may refer to a dictionary.

1. He received the award in a magnificent ceremony.

2. I felt a fleeting joy when I received the appreciation for my song.

3. With today’s instant communication, we can share information across the world in seconds.

4. Our school focuses on the core values— collaboration, innovation, and unity.

5. My teacher’s advice on time management is a valuable reminder of the importance of planning.

6. Reading books and listening to music can give abiding pleasure that will last forever.

Answer:

1. Magnificent → Splendid

2. Fleeting → Momentary

3. Instant → Swift

4. Core → Essential

5. Valuable → Useful

6. Abiding → Lifelong

II. Match the expressions from the text in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

Column 1	Column 2
1. in all humility	(i) to speak in a truthful way
2. hold their heads high	(ii) doing something using all your skills, talents, and knowledge
3. to be quite honest	(iii) observed with great respect and wonder
4. to the best of your ability	(iv) being humble and having no feeling of self importance
5. looked at in awe	(v) in the innermost part of the self
6. somewhere deep down	(vi) be confident and have a positive feeling

Answer:

Column 1	Column 2
1. in all humility	(iv) being humble and having no feeling of self importance
2. hold their heads high	(vi) be confident and have a positive feeling
3. to be quite honest	(i) to speak in a truthful way
4. to the best of your ability	(ii) doing something using all your skills, talents, and knowledge
5. looked at in awe	(iii) observed with great respect and wonder
6. somewhere deep down	(v) in the innermost part of the self

III. Make as many words as you can out of the following words. One example has been done for you.

1. community — city, toy, tune, unity, mutiny, cot

2. important

3. magnificent

4. satisfied

5. generation

6. achievement

Answer:

1. Important → port, part, rant, ramp, point

2. Magnificent → magi, gift, cent, tent, gain

3. Satisfied → side, date, fade, safe, said

4. Generation → gene, ratio, torn, ring, rate

5. Achievement → achieve, men, vent, cheat, time

IV. Let us play a word game—antakshari.

1. Write the synonym of the word according to the clues given below.

For example, the synonym of the first word, ‘IMPORTANT’ ends with the letter T’. The synonym of the second word begins with T’, TROUBLE’. Then write the synonym of the third word starting with the letter ‘E’.

3. Now, continue with the word game.

(i) major (synonym)

(ii) problem (synonym)

(iii) uneven (antonym)

(iy) related to post office

(v) our moral duty

(vi) related to time

(vii) prosperous (synonym)

(viii) related to being alive

V. Read the sentences below and insert either an em dash (—) or an en dash (-) suitably.

(i) The conference will be held from March 15 March 20.

(ii) I have lived in Kanpur Raipur for five years now.

(in) The artist known for her vibrant paintings will be showcasing her work in Guwahati.

(iv) The scores for the final match were 2 3.

(v) My favourite snacks samosas, pakoras, and jalebis are all from India.

(vi) The train journey from Belagavi Bengaluru takes less than ten hours.

(vii) I just finished reading the book it was absolutely amazing!

(viii) The event will take place on September 1 September 5.

Answer:

(i) March 15 – March 20

(ii) Kanpur-Raipur

(iii) The artist—known for her vibrant paintings—will be showcasing her work.

(iv) 2-3

(v) My favourite snacks—samosas, pakoras, and jalebis—are all from India.

(vi) Belagavi-Bengaluru

(vii) I just finished reading the book—it was absolutely amazing!

(viii) September 1-September 5

VI. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct word from the options given in the brackets.

(i) Please remember to bring ___________ (your/you’re) assignment book.

(ii)The team celebrated ___________ (their/they’re) victory after the match.

(iii)___________ (its/it’s) important to stay hydrated during the hot summer days.

(iv) ___________ (its/it’s) important to stay hydrated during the hot summer days.

(iv)I can’t believe ___________ (your/you’re) going to the mango festival today.

(v)The students said ___________ (they’re/their) excited for the field trip tomorrow.

(vi) The tree lost ___________ (its/it’s) leaves in the winter.

Answer:

(i) your

(ii) their

(iii) it’s

(iv) you’re

(v) they’re

(vi) its

VII. Complete the following sentences with suitable prepositional phrases.

(i) The children played happily in ___________

(ii) Nisha placed the vase on ___________

(iii) We discussed the project in ___________

(iv) Preethi found the lost book under _______

(v) The cat slept on _______

Answers:

(i) The children played happily in the park.

(ii) Nisha placed the vase on the table.

(iii) We discussed the project in the classroom.

(iv) Preethi found the lost book under the bed.

(v) The cat slept on the mat.

VIII. Rearrange the following jumbled words and phrases into meaningful sentences.

1. barked/at the strangers/the dog/ loudly/the house/walking by

2. wrote/my classmate/during the/a story/ summer vacations

3. enjoyed/under the trees/they/by the lake/a picnic

4. in his / grandfather’s room/ hung/ he / the painting

5. studied/with great determination/for/ students / the / exam

Answer:

1. The dog barked loudly at the strangers walking by the house.

2. My classmate wrote a story during the summer vacations.

3. They enjoyed a picnic under the trees by the lake.

4. He hung the painting in his grandfather’s room.

5. The students studied with great deter¬mination for the exam.

Let us listen (Page 93)

I. You will listen to the passage about Evelyn Glennie’s journey in overcoming her hearing loss through music and turning a physical disability into a success story.

You will listen to a woman read a special broadcast of the news. As you listen, arrange the pictures in the correct sequence of events that took place.

Now, for the special broadcast, we bring you the story of a young hero whose courage has captured the nation’s heart.

On a fateful morning in Rajouri, young Rohan Ramchandra Bahir, a 15-year-old student, became a local hero when he fearlessly saved the life of a woman who had fallen into the Domri River while washing clothes. The 43-year-old woman was struggling to stay aflat in the strong currents, when Rohan, without a moment’s hesitation, leapt into the river, putting his own life at risk.

With great determination and courage, Rohan managed to reach the woman and pull her to safety, despite the dangerous conditions of the river. Onlookers who witnessed the incident were in awe of the young boy’s bravery.

Rohan’s selflss act did not go unnoticed. His incredible courage was recognised at Vigyan Bhawan, where he was honoured with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023 by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.

This remarkable young boy is now a symbol of heroism in his community, and his story is an inspiration to all. We commend Rohan for his bravery and for showing that age is no barrier when it comes to saving lives.

After listening, match the words given in Column 1 with their meanings given in Column 2.

Column 1	Column 2
1. percussionist	(i) a person who plays drums and similar instruments
2. impaired	(ii) the ability to keep going despite difficulties
3. vibrations	(iii) slow and steady over time
4. determination	(iv) physical sensations caused by sound damaged or weakened
5. gradual	(v) damaged or weakend

Answer:

Column 1	Column 2
1. percussionist	(i) a person who plays drums and similar instruments
2. impaired	(v) damaged or weakend
3. vibrations	(iv) physical sensations caused by sound damaged or weakened
4. determination	(ii) the ability to keep going despite difficulties
5. gradual	(iii) slow and steady over time

II. Listen to the passage once again and state whether the statements given below are true or false.

1. Evelyn Glennie became deaf suddenly. -

False

2. Her headmistress ignored the signs of her hearing loss. -

False

3. Ron Forbes was a percussionist who helped Evelyn. -

True

4. Evelyn used her skin and bones to sense music. - True

5. She gave up on music after her diagnosis. - False

III. Answer the following questions in one or two words.

1. How did Evelyn turn her disability into strength?

By sensing vibrations

2. What role did Ron Forbes play in her life?

Mentor/Percussionist

3. What lessons can we learn from Evelyn’s stoiy about how to treat others who have different abilities or challenges?

Respect and support them

Let us speak (Page 94)

I. Read the highlighted word in the following sentence from the text.

That common good will present itself to you in many forms every day.

The highlighted word is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable. PreSENT (verb) the stress is on the second syllable.

PREsent (noun) the stress is on the first syllable.

Now, read aloud the given words with the correct syllable stress according to the part of speech given in the brackets.

PROduce (noun) conTRACT (verb) PROject (noun) conTENT (verb) REfuse (noun)

The correct stress patterns are:

1. PROduce (noun)

2. conTRACT (verb)

3. PROject(noun)

4. conTENT(verb)

5. REfuse(noun)

II. Read the highlighted words in the following sentence from the text.

…but it becomes a possession that can be treasured and re-read over the years, with great, abiding pleasure, treasure [treh-Zhuh] pleasure [pleh-Zhuh]

In the highlighted words, -sure has a ‘Zhuh’ sound.

There are some words which end in -sure, but have a ‘shuh’ sound as in pressure [preh-shuh].

Now, read aloud the words given below with the ‘shuh’ or ‘zhuh’ sound.

Answer:

Words with “Zhuh” sound (-sure ending):

measure, leisure, reassure, enclosure, exposure, composure

Words with “Shuh” sound (-sure but sharp ‘sh’):

pressure, fissure, ensure, unsure

Word	Sound Type	Pronunciation
measure	Zhuh	meh-ZHUR
leisure	Zhuh	lee-ZHUR
reassure	Zhuh	ree-ah-SHUR
enclosure	Zhuh	en-CLO-zher
exposure	Zhuh	ex-PO-zher
ensure	Shuh	en-SHUR
seizure	Zhuh	SEE-zher
fissure	Shuh	FISH-er
composure	Zhuh	com-PO-zher
unsure	Shuh	un-SHUR

III. 1. Read aloud the following lines from the poem.

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

when the funds are low and the debts are high,

and you want to smile but you have to sigh,

when care is pressing you down a bit —rest if you must,

but don’t you quit.

- Edgar Albert Guest

Now, read the lines of the poem once again by taking a shorter pause (/) or a long pause (//).

When things go wrong,/as they sometimes will,//

when the road you’re trudging/seems all uphill,//

when the funds are low/and the debts are high,//

and you want to smile/but you have to sigh,//

when care is pressing you down a bit/

—rest if you must,/

but don’t you quit.//

2. Chunk the stanzas with (/) or (//) and read it aloud.

Life is queer with its twists and turns.

As everyone of us sometimes learns.

And many a fellow turns about when he might

have won had he stuck it out.

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow—

you may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man.

Answer:

Life is queer with its twists and turns, /

As everyone of us sometimes learns. / /

And many a fellow turns about /

when he might have won /

had he stuck it out. / /

Don’t give up / though the pace seems slow— /

you may succeed / with another blow. / /

Often the goal is nearer than it seems /

to a faint and faltering man. / /.

Let us write (Page 95)

I. Write a letter to your grandparents thanking them for the valuable lessons they have taught you. Include how their wisdom has shaped your values and behaviour in life.

1. Thank them for teaching you important lessons, sharing stories, or helping others in the neighbourhood.

2. Share how their actions inspire you to contribute to the betterment of the society.

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

I hope you are both well. I am writing this letter to thank you for all the valuable lessons you have taught me.

You have taught me to be kind, honest, helpful, and respectful. I love listening to your stories and learning from your experiences. I have also seen how you help people in our neighbourhood whenever they need support.

Your actions inspire me to help others and care for my community. I want to follow your example and do my part to make society a better place.

Thank you for being my wonderful teachers and role models. I am lucky to have you in my life.

With lots of love,

Your loving grandchild

Let us explore (Page 96-97)

I. Read about White Revolution, Green \ ; Revolution and Blue Revolution from: : NCERT Textbook Page 96.

In groups of four, research more information about these revolutions. Share your findings with your classmates and teacher.

The White Revolution led to a increase in milk production in India primarily due to the effrts of Dr. Verghese Kurien. Therefore, he is known as ‘the Milkman of India’.

The Green Revolution in India introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. It was initiated by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1967, Padma Bhushan in 1972, Padma Vibushan in 1989, and Bharat Ratna in 2024.

The Blue Revolution focused on increasing fiheries production and productivity in India. This initiative was led by Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri.

Answer:

White, Green and Blue Revolutions in India

White Revolution: It increased milk production in India. Dr. Verghese Kurien played a major role in it. He is known as the ‘Milkman of India’.
Green Revolution: It increased the production of crops like wheat and rice by using better seeds and farming methods. Dr. M. S. Swaminathan played an important role in it.
Blue Revolution: It aimed to increase fish production in India. Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri played an important role in starting this revolution.

II. Vocational training for people in rural regions is provided by the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The objective of JSS is to economically uplift the rural population by imparting essential skill-based training. This enables local trades to grow and creates new opportunities for the people in the region.

Find out more about JSS with the help of the link given below, https: //jss.gov.in/staticPages

Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)

Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) provides skill training to people in rural areas. It teaches useful skills that can help people get jobs or start small businesses.

The main aims of JSS are:

To teach useful job skills.
To help people earn money.
To improve the lives of rural people.
To support local work and businesses.
To create better job opportunities.

Thus, JSS helps rural people become skilled, independent, and financially stronger.

III. Financial Literacy

Read the passage and discuss the questions given below.

Financial literacy is an essential lifelong skill that should be taught to children from an early age. Preparing children with financial literacy skills is an investment for their future well-being. By imparting an understanding of money, saving, budgeting, and wise spending, we empower them to navigate the financial world with confidence as they grow up.

Whether it is managing a cooperative society, a start-up, or a household budget, financial literacy is an ongoing learning process that evolves as children grow and their understanding deepens. An introduction to concepts of saving, budgeting, investing, and responsible spending equips them with essential life skills.

Children learn best through practical examples. Real-life situations help them understand the value of money and the importance of making wise financial choices. Thinking critically before spending helps cultivate responsible habits. The concept of saving and investing can be explained through relatable examples, such as planting seeds that grow into trees bearing fruit.

As children grow older, they will learn to differentiate between needs and wants, compare prices before making a purchase and understand importance of financial literacy.

Discuss in groups.

1. The importance of learning about money and saving from a young age. Share one example of it.

Learning about money helps us use it wisely. Saving money helps us prepare for future needs. For example, if I get ₹100, I can save ₹50 and use the rest carefully.

2. Imagine you received some money as a gift. How would you decide whether to save it, spend it, or invest it? What factors would you consider?

First, I would think about my needs and wants. I would save some money for the future, spend some on something useful, and keep some for an important need. I would also compare prices before buying anything.

3. If you were in charge of planning a small event at school with a limited budget, how would you manage the money?

I would first make a list of all the things needed. Then, I would check their prices and choose affordable items. I would avoid unnecessary spending and keep some money for emergencies.

4. Why is financial literacy important for everyone?

Financial literacy helps us understand how to earn, save, spend, and use money wisely. It helps us avoid waste, plan for the future, and make good money decisions.